Mexico edge South Korea to seal first World Cup knockout spot
Luis Romo scored after halftime as cohosts Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 and clinched Group A with one match still to play.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
Mexico became the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds by beating South Korea 1-0 at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, according to AFP and Reuters. The win secured top spot in Group A for the cohosts with one match still to play, keeping them in Mexico for a round-of-32 game in Mexico City against a third-placed side.
Luis Romo scored the only goal shortly after halftime, AFP and Reuters reported, capitalizing after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu came for a high ball, collided with a teammate and dropped it into danger. Romo finished into an empty net, and Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel protected the lead with a late double save.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre told TV Azteca the match was tight and decided by an error. “It was a very close game; we didn’t give up a single centimetre and fought for every ball as if it were our last,” he said.
“It was a game where whoever made a mistake would lose, and it was them,” Aguirre told the broadcaster. He added that the performance was “a game to forget,” while the result was “one to remember.”
Mexico seize control after quiet first half
According to AFP and Reuters, both teams entered the match knowing a win would guarantee rapid passage to the next round. Mexico had opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while South Korea had come from behind to beat Czechia 2-1.
Aguirre made three changes from Mexico’s first match, AFP and Reuters reported. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo made one change and largely kept the lineup that beat Czechia.
South Korea captain Son Heung-min had the first notable chance after 15 minutes, according to AFP and Reuters, lifting the ball over Rangel before Edson Alvarez cleared it off the line with an acrobatic intervention. Son was later flagged offside, though replays made the decision look close, AFP and Reuters reported.
Mexico then threatened through Julian Quinones, who forced Kim into a save with a header, according to AFP and Reuters. South Korea controlled much of the rest of the first half without creating a clear opening, and Mexico’s supporters jeered at halftime.
Group A remains open behind Mexico
Mexico began the second half with more urgency, AFP and Reuters reported, and Romo’s goal came five minutes after the restart. Hong substituted Son before the hour mark and brought on Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan, but South Korea produced little in attack until the closing minutes.
Aguirre told TV Azteca he was pleased Mexico would remain at home for the next round. “We’ll see how the last match plays out and wait for our opponent,” he said. “I’m leaving happy, because it means we’re not leaving home, our beloved Mexico.”
South Korea remain second in Group A on three points, while Czechia and South Africa have one point each, according to AFP and Reuters. Mexico will finish group play against Czechia, while South Korea face South Africa; Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1 earlier in the day.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.